Thanks to Hollywood Blvd. Cinema, Bar and Eatery in Woodridge , IL and my good friend Shari, I saw a sneek preview of the upcoming film Confessions of a Shopaholic. The film stars Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy and a great supporting cast.
This film was inspired from the pages of #1 Best Selling NY Times author Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series. Although, I have not had the pleasure of reading Sophie’s book prior to the movie I am now a fan and can’t wait to get to them. The fact that I hadn’t read the books did not diminish from my enjoyment of the movie. I recommend this for a girls night out or a date night movie.
24/8 is going to be unveiling a book giveaway this week for the movie tie in edition. Don’t forget to stop back if you want to read the book as much as I do and be sure to bring a friend. A special thanks to our friends at Random House for making this possible.
There is a really creative movie site on Blue Fly for this movie you will not want to miss, http://www.bluefly.com/media/promotions/flash/shopaholic/main/shopaholic.html. Kudos to the designer of this page. You can learn more about the movie and the cast and crew. Shop for the lead character’s looks too. Remember Hollywood there is a reason you need authors to write these wonderful books because they are certainly the basis for many a blockbuster.
For everyone else not lucky enough to see an early screening of the movie it will be at your local theater this coming Friday, February 13, 2009.
VERY VALENTINE that would be a marvelous Valentine’s gift for wife, friend, mother, grandmother neighbor… you get the idea that likes to read. VV is the start of a trilogy so if your recipient loves this character you are a shoe in for future gift ideas.
Adriana just appeared on the today show in the fourth hour with Hoda and Kathie Lee and she is so much fun. If you missed her she will be on the Weekend Today on Saturday, February 7th. You will definitely want to come out to one of her book promotions coming up in your city, http://www.adrianatrigiani.com/dates.html, or if you are not in one of these cities pick up one of her books after you see her cause she is just so much fun.
More exciting news as well from Adriana, 24/8 will be staying tuned for the updates. In April 2009 (date TBD) she will host a new book event called: THE WORLD’S BIGGEST BOOK CLUB— a first, with you as my guest(s) for a fabulous lunch and book discussion with me about Very Valentine—or whatever else you have on your minds!
As the details are promised today, which is the publication date of Very Valentine. It will take place in Greenwich Village, NY. But don’t despair if you live far away, there will be a drawing for one club to fly to New York City to join the fun.
Additional news announced on Ariana’s site as well if you are a fan:
The movie version of Big Stone Gap—is casting and we plan on being in production in 2009 in Virginia. Thank you for your patience- and keep the faith- it’s all coming together. The divine Rosanne Cash is composing the score- Whoopi Goldberg, who will star as Fleeta Mullins, gave me a lovely shout-out.
The 2009 Newbery Medal winner is The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean, and published by HarperCollins Children’s Books. You might recognize this name as he is the author of Coralinewhich is just about to open on the big screen.
A delicious mix of murder, fantasy, humor and human longing, the tale of Nobody Owens is told in magical, haunting prose. A child marked for death by an ancient league of assassins escapes into an abandoned graveyard, where he is reared and protected by its spirit denizens.
“A child named Nobody, an assassin, a graveyard and the dead are the perfect combination in this deliciously creepy tale, which is sometimes humorous, sometimes haunting and sometimes surprising,” said Newbery Committee Chair Rose V. Treviño.
2009 Honor Books
The Underneath by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by David Small (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing)
Underneath the canopy of the loblolly pines, amid the pulsating sounds of the swamp, there lies a tale. Intertwining stories of an embittered man, a loyal hound, an abandoned cat and a vengeful lamia sing of love, loss, loneliness and hope. Appelt’s lyrical storytelling heightens the distinguished characteristics of this work.
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle (Henry Holt & Comapny)
The Surrender Tree utilizes compelling free verse in alternating voices to lyrically tell the story of Cuba’s three wars for independence from Spain. Combining real-life characters (such as legendary healer Rosa La Bayamesa) with imagined individuals, Engle focuses on Rosa’s struggle to save everyone–black, white, Cuban, Spanish, friend or enemy.
Savvy by Ingrid Law (Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group in partnership with Walden Media, LLC
This rich first-person narrative draws readers into a wild bus ride, winding through the countryside on a journey of self-discovery for Mibs Beaumont and her companions. Newcomer Law weaves a magical tall tale, using vivid language and lively personalities, all bouncing their way to a warm, satisfying conclusion.
After Tupac & D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, a division of Penguin Books for Young Readers)
This tightly woven novel looks back on two years in a New York City neighborhood, where life changes for two 11-year-olds when a new girl joins their game of double Dutch. Bonded by Tupac’s music, the three girls explore the lure of freedom and build a friendship that redefines their own identities.
Turkish author, Mehmet Murat Somer author of the popular Turkish Delight Mystery series will be at Centuries & Sleuths in Forest Park on Thursday, January 29th at 7:00 pm. Mehmet’s hero/heroine is a computer security expert by day that channels Audrey Hepburn at night when this unnamed transvestite becomes as hostess at a club that she has a small ownership interest in.
The Kiss Murder, the second in the series that are bestsellers in Turkey, is bringing Mehmet to the US. If you like something on the edge but with humor these are the books for you. It takes place in Istanbul and it is lesson of geographic and social culture.
24/8 is proud to be a partner with Penguin and will be giving away books this week to celebrate the series arrival here in the US. Please check under Blue Plate Specials for the details.
The Change Your Life Challenge is a way to make those resolutions come true in 2009. But that’s not all, starting next week Brook is hosting a virtual tour, where she’ll be giving a week-long FREE workshop beginning Monday, January 26, that take the ideas and tips to make a change in your life, and help you put them in action.
Additionally, anyone who buys her book at Target or Costco stores nationwide can submit their receipt and in exchange they’ll receive a free month-long membership to Brook’s Make Today Matter Life Coaching System! It is a win win proposition you have nothing to loose, and so much to gain.
By leaving a comment, you have the chance to win a copy of Brook’s book, The Change Your Life Challenge! Let us know what you think of your own resolutions, or what has helped you change your own life over the years. Thanks to our friends at Source Books, One Lucky Commenter registered at 24/8 mail, will win a copy of the book and can jumpstart the challenge to make today matter!
Author Jeff Kinney joined Al Roker’s Today Show Kids Club today. Jeff is just a regular guy that wrote his first installment of this very popular series for adults. He worked on this for nine years and when it was sold to the publisher the good news was it was sold, the bad news was it was sold as a kids book.
It has changed many kids lives to date with more to come. Jeff is unique in that he does both the illustrations and the writing himself. The third book in this series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw was just released a few days ago. Your children, both boys and girls will love this series so pick up the original Wimpy Kid Diary or the lastest one today.
Be sure to visit Jeff’s website, it is adorable, http://www.wimpykid.com/. There is also news and a link about how to try out for the lead character, Greg, for the upcoming Twentienth Century’s Fox picture.
Princess Mia whom we have all gotten to know over the years in the books and on the big screen is going to be featured for the last time in Meg Cabot’s latest book, Forever Princess. Alas, do not fret, the clever folks at Avon and Meg have found a way to give Mia her own voice.Ransom My Heart is a new book penned by the princess herself. As the princess has had so many romantic notions and adventures it is only fitting her new book is a romance. Meg and Princess Mia care about the environment and that is why they have chosen to team up. But it is not enough for Meg and Mia to talk about Greenpeace they have really stepped up and are paying it forward by donating the advance and royalties from Ransom My Heart to Greenpeace. Additionally, if you go to the Greenpeace website you can find Meg Cabot e-cards, an exclusive Q&A with Meg and Princess Mia, info on what you can do to help, and much more.
PS According to Meg’s website, Princess Mia will continue to blog even though she is not going to be the subject of a book.
The Original Voices program highlights exceptional emerging writers. Finalists in four categories were chosen from the more than 150 books selected for the OV program in 2008. The winners from each category receive a $5,000 award.
Awards are fantastic for us to find new treasures and of course for the authors that receive them. Please remember to visit your local Borders today as they work to weather this tough economy.
24/8 is in good company as we started our year featuring THE LACE READER and Barnes and Noble has done the same. According to the author Brunonia Barry, “…this means that I’ll be online every day this month discussing the book and answering questions.” Be sue to visit Barnes and Nobel and you can ask a question yourself.
To join in go to: http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/bn/board?board.id=NewReads&.
enter today. The next drawing at the Bookfoolery will be held on January 11th. so don’t delay.
This is a wonderful book blog site and definitely one to book mark and check back with. It sounds like the bookfool does giveaways throughout the year and we can also use a good read and one that comes from a fellow book lover. Visit the post on the bookfool blog site and enter to win the 15 romance books today. http://bookfoolery.blogspot.com/search?q=giveaway.
24/8 Book Club 